To understand criminal law three balls must be juggled at the same time. This book will help you accomplish that feat: (1) You will learn something about criminal law itself, such as the elements of crime, the purposes of the criminal law, and the reasons for punishment. (2) You will understand the procedures developed for investigating crimes and arresting and convicting the wrongdoers. (3) You will learn about the system to administer criminal laws-a system that extends far beyond a single agency of government. This book will not make you an expert of criminal lay and procedure. But, it will inform you to help a s a citizen toe make decisions as to criminal justice policy that are required of all levels of government.